Top 10 Valentine’s Break Ideas

To start our list, what could be more romantic than the ‘loveliest castle in the world’? Guests enjoy free entry to the 900-year-old castle (subject to availability) and its grounds as part of their stay. Accommodation is on a B&B basis in the Stable Courtyard Bedrooms, just a short stroll from the castle itself.

This stunning 16th century timbered building sits in the centre of Shakespeare‘s Stratford, ideally situated for visiting Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Mary Arden’s House and New Place, especially poignant as last year marked the 400th anniversary of the Bard’s death.

Swinton Park, a Grade II * listed building dating in part from the 1600s, is set in 200 acres of parkland, lakes and gardens bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The castle is the ancestral home of the Cunliffe-Lister family.

South Lodge was once the gate house for magnificent Witton Hall, where guests (by prior arrangement) have shared use of the leisure facilities including an indoor pool, hot tub, gym, sauna, games room and tennis courts. Beauty treatments and chef by arrangement.

If Suite Three isn’t quite right for you but you like the sound of a holiday with a hot tub, then perhaps we could interest you with our selection of holiday cottages with hot tubs?

This beautiful 13th century riverside coaching inn boasts superb views of Salisbury Cathedral and is just a short walk from all the shops, sights and sounds of the city. A perfect base for exploring perhaps the most famous prehistoric monument in Britain: Stonehenge!

And now for something completely different! Built into the hillside with a turf roof, the style of this stunning cottage for two reflects an ancient neolithic design and enjoys stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean. There’s nothing neolithic about the 21st century facilities which include a spa bath and a sauna. Situated near Campletown – once the whisky capital of the world – why not combine your stay with a distillery tour?

This has to be the ultimate romantic escape: a treehouse up a sycamore tree in the grounds of a 15th century Scottish castle! Yes, this unusual apartment IS in a tree, and boasts a fully-equipped kitchen, cosy living area and an en-suite bathroom with a large circular bath.

If you prefer a more traditional room within the castle, several rooms boast romantic four-poster beds and some have views over Sinclair’s Bay and the private beach.